Major boost for local communities - £250,000 awarded in Community Covenant grants

More than £250,000 has been awarded to community groups in Dover District who applied for grants to support projects that strengthen the ties or understanding between members of the armed forces and the wider community in which they live.

Successful applications in the latest round of Community Covenant grants included the Royal Marines Bandstand Trust, the Army Welfare Service, Skills Horizons, and Futures for Heroes. DDC received funding for a cultural celebration of the military history of the Kearsney Parks, as part of its Heritage Lottery Fund project.

The Big Reveal has received funding for 'Dancing on Armistice Day', a project involving children from schools in East Kent and France performing a specially commissioned oratorio. Service children past and present in Key Stage 2 within the boundaries of Dover District will be invited to come and join the rehearsals and workshops in a local community centre at the weekend. For more information contact project leader David Burridge at drburridge@gmail.com.

Following the launch of the Armed Forces Community Covenant in June 2013, community groups across Dover District have been invited to apply for grants from £100 to £250,000 from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme. More than £400,000 has been awarded to support local projects since February 2014.

Applications were invited for projects to encourage greater understanding of the issues affecting the service community, or recognise and remember the sacrifices faced by the service community, or for activities, events or projects that help integrate the service community with the wider community. Funding is from the MOD, and is administered and promoted by DDC. Applications for the Community Covenant Grant Scheme are considered by a MOD Regional Board. This round of funding was agreed by the Panel on 19 February.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council and Chairman of the Dover District Civilian Military Partnership Board said: "This is excellent news for the local community and for the district. We are very pleased to support the Community Covenant. Dover District has many historical connections with the armed forces, and the Community Covenant Grant Scheme is helping to ensure we support and respond to the needs of the wider armed forces community."